Observations:
(1) The strength of Samson came from the LORD.a. He was able to grab the doors of the city gate, as well as the two posts v.3. His strength was unthinkable.
b. His strength was related to his dedication to God. Without God he was just like all other men.
16:17 Finally he told her his secret. He said to her, “My hair has never been cut, for I have been dedicated to God from the time I was conceived. If my head were shaved, my strength would leave me; I would become weak, and be just like all other men.”
c. When he broke his vow of being dedicated to God his strength was gone. He was humiliated by the enemies with great sufferings.
v.20b But he did not realize that the LORD had left him. 16:21 The Philistines captured him and gouged out his eyes. They brought him down to Gaza and bound him in bronze chains.
Reflections:
Our power to overcome sins totally comes from God. Without His power we will be overcome by sin and get humiliated. When we humble and ask God for His power we can over sins again.
(2) God allowed him to have his strength back even after his vow was broken.
16:28 Samson called to the LORD, “O Master, LORD, remember me! Strengthen me just one more time, O God, so I can get swift revenge against the Philistines for my two eyes!”
Note, Samson called God, "Master, LORD." That was the 2nd prayer by Samson, and the first time he mentioned the name of God and he called God his Master. He had never been so humble before. He asked God to "remember" him. Before that incident, Samson could do anything he wanted. He had mighty power that surprised even his enemies. Now, he knew how to plead before God.
Reflections: Suffering did change us. We were humble by the Covid 19. We realized that we need to plead before God. Only He could help us. On a personal level, as we age we get more physical limitations. Shall we not waste these opportunities to be humble before God!
Audrey
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